As a way to celebrate four years of the Menino Bernardo Law and encourage the use of positive ways of educating, activities and a virtual campaign will mark June 26th
Original text by Ana Leticia Ribeiro, from Rede Não Bata, Eduque, adapted by Promundo
On June 26, 2018, the Menino Bernardo Law (13.010/2014) completed four years. Rede Não Bata, Eduque, of which Promundo is part, monitored and encouraged the processing of the legal framework that prevents the use of physical and humiliating punishments as a way of educating children and adolescents and launches on this date the National Day for Education without Violence.
To highlight the moment, during the week, a virtual campaign was launched with the participation of public figures involved with the cause, such as the presenter and spokesperson for the motto “Não Bata, Eduque”, Xuxa Meneghel , the actors Kenia Maria and Érico Brás (respectively defender of the Rights of Black Women at UN Women Brazil and advisory advisor to the United Nations Population Fund), former Minister of Human Rights and former rapporteur on the subject of Childhood at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) of the Organization of American States (OAS), Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro .
Alongside partners, Rede Não Bata, Eduque is promoting awareness and awareness actions in several Brazilian cities, which include dialogue circles, leafleting, sketches, among other activities. The objective of the activities is to insert the day into the official social calendar, marking it as a moment of broad mobilization. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and take stock of the challenges that have arisen over these four years.
Enforcement of the law: international pressure
One of the most urgent challenges is the creation of public policies that implement the Menino Bernardo Law and present alternative and non-violent ways of educating society. In 2017, the Brazilian State received a recommendation from the United Nations (UN) in the Universal Periodic Review of Brazil to encourage positive education in homes, schools, shelters and living spaces for children and adolescents.
The global pressure to comply with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda also alerts Brazil in this regard. SDG 5.2 (“Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation”) and 16.2 (“End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence and torture against children”) include the right to physical and psychological integrity of this public, which, unfortunately, is the most exposed to violence in the country.
During 2017, Dial 100 received 84 thousand reports of violence against children and adolescents , of which 39.5 thousand were classified as psychological violence , 33.1 thousand as physical, and 20.3 thousand as sexual.
With the goal of changing this scenario, Brazil, under the influence of a coalition formed by several organizations including Rede Não Bata, Eduque, recently joined the Global Partnership to End Violence against Children and Adolescents . Led by the UN, the initiative seeks to meet the SDGs that deal with children's rights through the articulation of public policies and the development of indicators on the situation of Brazilian boys, girls and young people.
Menino Bernardo Law
Of a pedagogical and preventive nature, the Menino Bernardo Law was named in honor of Bernardo Boldrini, an 11-year-old boy who was murdered where he lived, in Três Passos, Rio Grande do Sul). Videos from the family's personal collection show Bernardo being mistreated by his father and stepmother who, according to investigations, administered an overdose of sedative to the boy. The case shocked public opinion and raised the debate about preventing violence against children and adolescents within the family.
Around the world, 53 countries have already passed laws prohibiting corporal punishment and cruel and degrading treatment . In Latin America , including Brazil, there are 10: Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Learn more about physical and humiliating punishments: Physical and humiliating punishments – Reference guide for news coverage
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